Protesters arrested while trying to stop loggers from cutting trees in Wendell

WENDELL, Mass. (WWLP) – Environmental activists filed a lawsuit on Wednesday to stop commercial logging on state land at the Wendell State Forest.

Three members of the Wendell State Forest Alliance were arrested early Wednesday for blocking the entrance to the forest, a peaceful act of civil disobedience.

Six protesters in another group spent nearly four hours deeper in the forest trying to stop the logging and delay the cutting of the trees by standing in the way of DCR crews.

When confronted by State Police, one member of the Wendell State Forest Alliance said they chose to walk out to avoid being arrested.

“We chose to walk out because we met our objectives for today and we’d like to be free to live and work another day there’s a lot more to do,” said Gia Neswald.

The alliance filed a lawsuit against the Department of Conservation and Recreation for allegedly violating several state laws and regulations. The lawsuit asks for a temporary restraining order to stop the logging until they have a chance to prove their claims at a court hearing in Greenfield next Wednesday, August 21.

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